Review: Flight Control

Flight Control from Namco has experienced notable success over on the iPhone and was recently released for the Windows Mobile platform. The concept is simply, you are in charge of flight control for a local airport. As planes come into play, you direct them to the appropriate runway while diverting other planes to a holding pattern and avoid mid-air collisions.

The more successful landings, the higher your score. To add to the game's challenge, only certain planes can land on certain runways (color coded) and helicopters can only land on helipads.

As the game progresses and you successfully land planes, the air traffic increases. Flight Control almost has the feel of a juggling act. See how many planes you can have circling about while you concentrate on landing one plane at a time. If the pace gets too fast, you can use the "Time Control" feature to slow things down temporarily.

You control the aircraft's direction by touch. Tap/hold a plane or helicopter and drag your finger in the direction you want it to follow. A dotted line appears to show you the flight path. When you're ready for the plane to land, drag you finger to the runway. Planes at risk of colliding with other planes will either be highlighted with an exclamation point (at risk from an off-screen plane) or flashing circle (risk is from an on-screen plane).

Game play is simple but at times my finger got in the way of seeing other planes. Using a stylus made it easier to see more of the playing field. The stylus also help plot a more accurate course for the aircraft.

The game is mildly addictive, especially after you fail to land a single aircraft. A feeling of determination kicks in and makes ignoring the "try again" option all the more difficult. Flight Control's simple interface and fast pace come together to give the game a unique level of intensity that is hard to put down.

Flight Control runs $5.99 and is available through Namco and is billed through your wireless provider. Currently, the games are only available for T-Mobile and AT&T compatible Windows Phones.

It's not available through the Marketplace. You have to go to Namco's website. Once you choose the game, a SMS message is sent to your phone with a link to the app via AT&T or T-Mobile's app store. From there you download and buy the app from your wireless provider.